Data Watch: Why Storm ended Fire's reign

Reigning champion Rhein Fire is out, newcomer Nordic Storm is in the Semi Finals - here is an analysis why the ELF will have a new champion 2025.

This matchup carried extra weight: Nordic was built from Rhein Fire’s DNA and led by former QB Jadrian Clark. In the Wildcard Round, Clark and the Storm methodically ended Rhein's reign.

Watch the Rhein Fire at Nordic Storm highlights here!

Clark at top level

Jadrian Clark once again demonstrated why he is the league's most efficient quarterback. Against his former team, he completed 26 of 32 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively across all levels:

·      37% of completions came in the intermediate range (11–20 yards, 14.9 avg)

·      Three passes exceeded 21 yards 

·      Accuracy was elite on the edges, with over 85% completions to both sidelines

Even without injured RB Glen Toonga, Nordic maintained a balanced offensive approach. Armand Soulerot rushed for 83 yards, maintaining balance in the offense and giving Clark opportunities to go deep.

The numbers further underline Nordic's efficiency:

·      First downs: Nordic Storm 28; Rhein Fire 20

·      Time of possession: Nordic Storm 34:14; Rhein Fire 25:41

·      Yards per play: Nordic Storm 6.6, Rhein Fire 6.1

·      Nordic outgained Rhein in all three meetings in this season (465, 406, 393 yards). 

Watch the Wildcard Recap here!

Rhein Fire: Offense not convincing

For Rhein Fire, the story was one of limited options. Their 179 rushing yards were boosted by a single 69-yard touchdown run from Jonathan Scott on the opening drive; the remaining 87 yards came after Storm contained their ground game. 

The passing game never produced more than 165 yards in any of the three meetings, and in the Wildcard Round, Chad Jeffries threw for just 156 yards, with nearly 60% of completions under 10 yards. 

Across all three meetings, Rhein Fire's offense never exceeded 260 yards. Heading into the Wildcard Round, the gap between the teams was clear.

Nordic Storm: clean, efficient football

The win probability charts reflected the story: an open contest at halftime, but Storm sealed the outcome in the final quarter. Nordic Storm's approach was simple: clean, efficient football. Clark's control, Soulerot's steady ground game, and tactical adjustments made the difference, ending Rhein Fire's dynasty.

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